Colostrum harvesting

I've been using a hand pump as I couldn't get anything out with massaging and got quite a bit that way. I also found I had one boob produce more than the other. So, trial and error and persistence. I just sat watching TV for about 10 mins on each side to see which would give me more

It’s not recommended to use a pump until after you’ve given birth according to the NHS what I would say is make sure you’re gently squeezing the right spot (I know this sounds silly but once you’ve got it right you’ll know!) try putting a warm cloth on your chest beforehand or having a bath/shower also make sure you’re hydrated! It is very much a start/stop process so just take your time with it and the more you try the easier it gets!

@Amiee I understand that but I tried everything else and it wasn't working. I'm just saying what worked for me. As I know I have it as I wake up with massive crusty patches. Also my boobs are always hot. So I know the temp isn't an issue. They're just stubborn 🤣 and need a bit more force. I'm not planning on using it every day, though.

@Emily totally get it! My comment was in no way a dig at you so sorry if it came across that way!! We all need to do what we need to do and make choices that work for us so no judgement here! My comment was purely for the fact I think most people are unaware! I think it’s mainly recommended not to just to not cause any irritation and pain rather than anything else anyway!

@Amiee, I totally get where you was coming from. I was just saying that the traditional and gentle way didn't work. It is very uncomfortable, though with the pump. Can only imagine what it'll be like with a little human. Bruised feeling isn't fun. How people do it all the time is beyond me

Totally normal. I breasfed my first with no issues. When I started collecting colostrum it took like a week for something to come out and even then it was very little for few days. One boob was better than the other and baby also had a preference. Totally normal.

@Emily so to ease your mind. I had no issues with breasfeeding baby and I did not like pumping at all. Complete different feelings. I would say do not worry if it does not come out manually, the important thing is the massage stimulation

I did mine for the first time yesterday, and sat for 2 hours until I had enough to put in a syringe. Only got 0.2ml, but it was a huge learning experience. From trying every technique I could find in those 2 hours from the midwives on Tiktok, I learned that one boob isn't necessarily easier, but it definitely needs a different technique. My right came out really easily, but left took ages because I couldn't figure out what to do with it. Once I tried different positions and things, I found it needs an entirely different hand position to the right, and needs to be compressed for a bit longer until the colostrum comes out. When it did finally come, I found I actually got more colostrum from there than my right after thinking I'd get nothing from it. If your left is showing some wet, then it means you definitely are producing it, you just need to keep going and try different techniques and compression times until you find what works.

Thank you everyone! I tried again this evening and got 0.1ml from my right but still struggling with the left. I’ll keep persisting and hope it comes through more 🤞 x